Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. has been sidelined after testing positive for Covid-19, his club Santos FC announced in a statement reported by local media on Saturday.
The 33-year-old forward, a former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain standout, began exhibiting symptoms on Thursday, prompting his immediate isolation from team activities. Subsequent medical tests confirmed the viral infection, dealing a blow to Santos as they prepare for their final match before the Brazilian Serie A pauses for the Club World Cup.
Santos did not specify the duration of Neymar’s absence, leaving fans and analysts uncertain about his return timeline. The club was unavailable for further comment when contacted.
Neymar, already ruled out of Santos’ upcoming league match against Fortaleza due to a suspension, will miss the Thursday fixture, which marks the team’s last outing before the league break from June 14 to July 13 for the Club World Cup in the United States.
Neymar’s positive test adds to an already challenging season for the veteran forward, whose time at Santos has been marred by injuries. Since returning to his boyhood club, Neymar has featured in only 12 matches across all competitions this season, contributing three goals and three assists.
His limited playing time has sparked discussions about his fitness and future in the sport, especially as his contract with Santos is set to expire on June 30. Neither the club nor Neymar has publicly addressed whether he will extend his stay or explore new opportunities.
The news comes as Santos navigates a critical juncture in their campaign, with the Fortaleza match serving as a key test before the global spotlight of the Club World Cup. Fans remain hopeful that Neymar’s recovery will be swift, allowing the star to return to the pitch and bolster Santos’ ambitions in the coming weeks.